Google Guitar
🎸 Google Guitar
Interactive Browser Guitar
How to Play:
- 🖱️ Mouse: Click or drag across strings
- ⌨️ Keyboard: Press mapped keys to play notes
- 🎵 Record: Capture up to 30 seconds
- ▶️ Playback: Listen to your melody
Number Row
QWERTY Row
The Google Guitar is one of the most popular interactive doodles ever created by Google. It turns the search homepage into a playable guitar, letting users make music directly in their browser.
This feature first appeared on May 21, 2010, to celebrate the 96th birthday of legendary guitarist Les Paul. It gave users a unique way to explore music online.
How to Experience Google Guitar?
Playing the Google Guitar is simple. You can use either your mouse or keyboard to strum strings.
- Mouse Controls: Click on individual strings for single notes. Drag across multiple strings to play chords.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Number keys 1-6 correspond to strings, while letter keys offer alternative mappings.
- Recording: Capture up to 30 seconds of music using the record button. Playback lets you listen to your creations.
This makes it easy for beginners to experiment with melodies or recreate songs they love.
Features of Google Guitar
The Google Guitar doodle had several unique features that set it apart:
| Feature | Description |
| Six Strings | Each string produces a different musical note. |
| Keyboard Integration | Notes can also be played using keyboard shortcuts. |
| 30-Second Recording | Users can record and replay melodies. |
| Cross-Device Support | Works on desktops and mobile devices. |
| Real-Time Sound | Guitar tones are produced instantly in the browser. |
The interface visually transformed the Google logo into a guitar, making it fun to play chords and melodies.
Original Launch and Legacy
Unlike most Easter eggs, Google Guitar was visible directly on the homepage on May 21, 2010. No special commands were required. The date marked Les Paul’s birthday, honoring his contribution to music and guitar innovation.
Though Google eventually removed the doodle, its popularity inspired developers to recreate it. Modern versions now support all devices, offer improved visuals, and sometimes include extra recording options.
Popular Songs You Can Play
Users have recreated many songs on Google Guitar, including:
- “Happy Birthday”
- “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
- “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
- “Ode to Joy”
- “Star Wars Theme”
With practice, players can adapt melodies to the six-string setup.
Getting Started Today
To use a recreated Google Guitar, visit a restoration website, wait for the interface to load, and start strumming with your mouse or keyboard. Use the record feature to save your music and playback to enjoy it.
The Google Guitar remains a creative tool, showing how interactive media can engage users in music-making online.
